Static , Modal and

Transient Analysis of a
Gravity Dam
Gravity Dam Description
We want to analyze a concrete gravity dam. The analyses that we
are going to perform are: static analysis, modal analysis and
transient analysis.
Gravity Dam Description

This is a gravity Dam that holds water by means of the

concrete weight that conforms the dam.
Gravity Dam Description

The Dam structure is made up of several separated monolithic

elements as shown in the figure. These elements are separated
by vertical joints. The contact type selected between the
different elements and between the dam and the ground is of
the “Touching Contact” type.
Static Analysis
In the Static Analysis the loading includes linearly increasing element
surface pressure as a result of hydrostatic loading. Standard inertial gravity
loading is also applied.
Static Analysis: Results
In the figure, the user can see the most interesting results of the
static analysis.

• X component of displacement
Static Analysis: Results

• Y component of stress • Z component of stress

Static Analysis: Results

• Von Mises equivalent stress

Modal Analysis
• Modal analysis results are used as a reference in
further analysis for either a spectral response
analysis or for a linear transient dynamic analysis.
Modal Analysis
Transient Analysis: earthquake motion
With CivilFEM the user can perform a transient dynamic time history
analysis considering joint behavior (geometric nonlinearity) and
material nonlinearity .

You can define several

excitation functions by
using time-dependent
accelerations, velocities or
displacements in different
directions.

In this case a time-dependent X displacement has been entered into the foundation as
a boundary condition simulating ground motion induced by an earthquake.

CivilFEM allows the user to convert simple loads (forces, linear

pressure, etc.) into point mass particles by entering the following
data: Acceleration, direction of acceleration and load ratio, so you
can simulate the equivalent hydrodynamic mass.
Transient Analysis: earthquake motion
• The user can see the variation of results over time, ie, for
different time steps.
Transient Analysis: earthquake motion
• The relative displacement between two points on both sides of a joint
can be compared